The Completion Crisis: What Students Have to Say (Infographic)

We've all heard and read the stats: Only 4 in 10 young Americans earn a higher education credential by the time they are 35. Add to that our unsustainable student debt situation, and higher education in this country just looks bleaker and bleaker.

We've all heard and read the stats: Only 4 in 10 young Americans earn a higher education credential by the time they are 35. Add to that our unsustainable student debt situation, and higher education in this country just looks bleaker and bleaker.

These same articles also sought out the view of students, citing Public Agenda's seminal 2009 report, "With Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them," which remains a rare source illuminating students' attitudes on higher education.

Among the statistics these articles cite:

Half of college dropouts said work was a major factor in their decision. (Public Agenda, 2009)

Just about three out of every ten dropouts left with student loans. (Public Agenda, 2009)

But students don't just talk about the problem; they offer solutions - and we should listen to what they have to say.

Public Agenda has spoken to many of our nation's young adults, both those who graduated (we call them completers) and those who either didn't attend or failed to complete (non-completers), about what would help them overcome barriers to completion. We compiled their voices in an infographic, to start a conversation about solutions to our nation's higher education challenges.

What do you think about what students have to say? Can we incorporate the voice of every stakeholder to end the college completion crisis? Join the conversation: tweet us at @PublicAgenda with your thoughts.

If you would like a printable version of this infographic, you can download a PDF of it here.

View the Infographic

What Students Have to Say

Media Type: Image

We've all heard and read the stats: Only 4 in 10 young Americans earn a higher education credential by the time they are 35. Add to that our unsustainable student debt situation, and higher education in this country just looks bleaker and bleaker.